Yes, these lists are just someone’s opinion… yes, these lists are often biased… yes, these lists are a dime a dozen… But it doesn’t mean they’re not fun. And the NYT 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list, that’s been revealed bit-by-bit this week has provided excellent bookish click-bait.
And yes, I got totally sucked in by the interactive list. I’ve read 26 and have 11 more in the TBR stack.
My thoughts on the no.1 pick? Pfft. And is Franzen cranky that he only made no.5?
But I was pleasantly surprised to see some books that I really enjoyed and that don’t always appear on lists like these: Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (no.19); Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo (no.22); and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (no.35).
I also enjoyed the peek at the votes by some of the 500 authors who were asked to contribute to the list. So interesting. I think my shelves are most similar to those of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jami Attenberg, Nick Hornby, Megan Abbott, and Joshua Ferris.
So, were you seduced by that interactive list?